‘THE BABY FIGURE OF GIANT MASS OF THINGS TO COME’

Manawatu Times, Volume LIII, Issue 6631, 9 June 1928, Page 7

‘THE BABY FIGURE OF GIANT MASS OF THINGS TO COME’

Republican Activities In Presidency Contest PRESENT SITUATION MUCH BEFOGGED United Press Association—By Eleetri* Telegraph—Copyright. NEW YORK, June 7, President Coolidge’s intentions in connection with re-nomination for the Presidency arc again becoming prominently discussed. Rumours, reports, and views express ed by politicians have succeeded in more definitely befogging the situation, certainly as it concerns the outcome ol tho Kansas City Convention. It is frankly admitted to-day that anything may occur when the nominatr ing body meets, but, interestingly enough, the discussion which has arisen has cast a clear light upon some of the underlying strategy that will actuate tho bigger forces at the meeting. It may not bo far from tho truth t« say that the Republican politicians di not want Mr. Coolidge, yet, amazingly enough, they arc now concentrating upon Kansas City with every intention to vote for him to tho bitter end ii necessary, even should he announce on June 12 that he would not accept nomi nation if it was tendered. Plans for the Ballot.

It is an open secret that Mr. Hoover’s foes, which are principally the fac tions behind Messrs. Lowden, Dawes, and such other so-called “favourite sons” as Messrs. Watson and Curtis, would stop at nothing to defeat theii opponent, and the simple plan they evolved was that, should Mr. Hoover begin to load during the balloting, they would immediately begin to vote for Mr. Coolidge, and their strength( added to the latent ‘draft Coolidge” sentiment, would bo enough to stem the tide against Mr. Hoover. To-night, it was indicated that the Hoover group may do the same thing if either Mr. Lowden or Mr. Dawes should begin to lead during the balloting.

A flood of votes for Mr. Coolidge would probably make it impossible to choose a nominee. It would be as effective in producing a deadlock as votes for the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms as the Republican nominee. In Event of Deadlock.] Should a deadlock occur, frantic efforts for a compromise nominee will probably occur. With indications that a prominent figure for nomination will not be available ox-Secretary of State Hughes definitely having stated that he will not accept nomination, it will then bo that a socalled “dark horse,” or fairly unknown and politically colourless individual, may be chosen. It perhaps merits notice, however, that non-partisan observers have suddenly centred attention upon Mr. Mellon, not as a nominee, but as a possible deciding factor in choosing a nominee. Mr. Hooovcr may poll 400, or even 500 votes, 545 being necessary for choice. Mr. Mellon controls the Pennsylvania delegation of 79 votes. Thus, if Mr. Mellon decides to throw his strength to Mr. Hoover, it would either secure nomination for the latter immediately or, by example, sway the Convention to move freely to Mr. Hoover. Where Will the Issue Be? With the Convention resolving itself into a battleground of strategy and compromise, one can wonder as to how important a part the issues will play. One may well question whether the issues Will not be forgotten and what candidates believe in wdll be passed over.

There may be high-sounding things in the Republican platform, as there doubtlessly will bo in the Democratic, but the politicians will ask for a quid pro quo before throwing their strength to any aspirant, and if economic groups will try to saw the choice of a nominee they will find that only by wielding a bludgeon, or literally by “bolting,” can they make themselves felt. It promises to be a Convention of secret conferences In smoke-filled rooms between old-time politicians, with delegates waiting for orders as to how they shall vote. It promises to be -reminiscent of the Republican Convention of 1920.